Voting machine



Sept 17, 1946-' lA. N. GUsrAvsoN 2,407,831

VOTING MACHINE Filed Deo'. 24, 1942 3 sheets-sheet 1- FLE- E 24 /8 9V l?? z f I l l a3 Sept. 17, 1946. ,Q N GUSTAV5ON 2,4079831 VOTING MACHINE Filed Dec. 24, 1942 V 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Sept. 17, 1946. A. N. G USTAVSQN 2,407,831

VOTING MACHINE Filed Dec. 24, 1942 3 Sheets-5h86? 3 Patented Sept. 17, 1946 VOTING MACHINE Alvin N. Gustavson, Bemus Point, N. Y., assigner to Automatic Voting Machine Corporation, Jamestown, N. Y., a corporation of Delaware Application December 24, 1942, Serial No. 470,046

4 Claims.

This invention relates to an improvement in voting machines Vand more particularly to a structure by which to adapt a voting machine to control certain kinds of voting such for example as cumulative voting for general assembly.

In its present form the invention comprises a mechanism that is adapted to be mounted as a unit in a voting machine and may be removed or left as a permanent part of the voting machine as found necessary. A voting machine to which the invention is particularly adaptable includes a multiplicity of indicator operable interlocking straps. Any desired group of these straps may be connected with and controlled by the mechanism of the unit for the purpose of both' enabling and requiring a voter to ballot in accordance with given voting laws.

In certain areas provision is made for cumulative voting such as voting for representatives in general assembly. The voter, by law, is given three votes with respect to the candidates for representatives to general assembly and may distribute these three votes in any manner he desires among the candidates of his own party or among the candidates of his own and other parties. That is, he may cast all three votes for a single candidate in his own party, two votes for one and a single vote for another or one for each of three candidates. Provision is also made for a voter to split his ticket and cast one or two votes for a candidate or candidates in another party. The election law further provides that a voter may split his three votes for two candidates by voting one and one-half votes for each of the two selected.

In the patent to A. N. Gustavson, No. 2,217,980, dated October 15, 1940, there is shown a device for cumulative voting which, while capable of controlling such voting, nevertheless requires the appearance of each candidates name in four places on the ballot label. In certain election districts this has been considered as being highly confusing to a voter and has in some instances resulted in voters failing to cast votes in a manner intended. The present invention not only makes possible voting in the manner set out above but also eliminates the necessity for multiple appearance of each candidates name on the ballot label and this therefore constitutes one of the objects of the invention;

Another object of the invention is to provide automatically operable means for controlling the voting within a single group in the main grouping or interlocking channel.

A further object of the invention is to provide means by which a voter, with an alternative voting privilege, automatically restricts himself to the selected privilege.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be more fully understood from a consideration of the following specification when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and in which Figure 1 is a front elevational View of a portion of the keyboard of a voting machine that is arranged for voting on candidates for representatives in general assembly;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view from the rear of a voting machine showing the conventional interlocking straps and main grouping channel;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view through the main grouping channel, parts being broken away to show both xed and adjustable compensatcrs.

Figure 4 is an enlarged view showing the cumulative mechanism attached to the main grouping channel;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cumulative mechanism, the adjustable compensator being indicated in dotted lines;

.Figure 6 is a perspective view of an adjustable compensator;

Figure '7 is a fragmentary perspective View of the vcumulative mechanism, showing the connection of the'mechanism with the interlocking straps through the use of grouping straps;

Figure 8 is a rear elevational view of the mech'- anism with parts in the position assumed when a voter has indicated a one and one-half vote preference for a single candidate;

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view showing the position of the parts of the cumulative mechanisrn being taken substantially as suggested by the line 9-9 of Figure 8;

Figure 10 is a further rear elevational view of the mechanism, the parts thereof assuming this position when a single vote h'as been cast for a candidate; and

Figure 11 is a vertical sectional view of the mechanism and straps, being taken substantially as suggested at line ll-I l of Figure l0.

Referring particularly to the drawings, the reierence numeral I0 is employed to generally designate a portion of a voting machine keyboard. This keyboard is of standard structure and is shown with several rows of horizontal indicators. Each indicator Il, through a mechanism well known in the art, is capable of registering a vote on a suitable counter subsequent'J to being moved from a generally horizontal position to a downwardly directed position with one end of the indicator overlying a part of the ballot label I2, a singe indicator being so positioned in Figure l to illustrate this position. In Fig, 1 the voting machine is shown set up for one major and two minor political parties, this illustration being for the sole purpose of disclosing the applicability of the present invention to multiple cumulative voting. ln general the major party, due to its respective strength, has more candidates for representatives togeneral assembly than the minor parties and thus the major party X shows candidates A, B and C, whereas the minor parties Y and Z show respectively two candida-tes` and one candidate. It will be noted that each candidates name appears only once but embraces four of the indicators II. Also there is a number one beneath each of three of the indicators Il and a number one and one-half under the corresponding fourth indicator for each candidate. With this arrangement, a votor has the privilege of moving into voted position, three single indicators for any one of the candidates or may make any division of these three, such` as for three separate candidates or two for one and one for another. If the voter prefers to cast his total of three votes for only two candidates, he may manipulate the indicator II appearing over the numeral one and one-half in the ballot label of the preferred candidate and another indicator in a corresponding position for another preferred candidate.

As is well known, each of the indicators in a voting machine of the type disclosed is connected with and serves to actuate an interlocking strap. All such straps except for length are substantially identical and designated by the numeral I3. If the voting machine is of 'a size to provide nine horizontal or party rows then there will be nine straps I 3, in close proximity and representing one vertical row of indicators. Each of "these straps, adjacent its lower end, is formed with a ledge or shoulder I4, and the lower end of the strap is formed with a neck I6k which terminates in an enlarged portion I1; The neck and enlarged portion I6 and I1 project into a main grouping channel I3 which forms a. conventional part of the voting machine and includes a pair of spaced apart plates I9, having inwardly opening channels 2I. These channels receive the enlarged ends of rollers 22. For convenience the space between each pair of rollers accommodates the neck portions I6 of two of the straps I3, the enlarged portions I1 being oifset in opposite directions. When one of the indicators I I on the face of the machine is manipulated, the corresponding strap I3 is raised. causing the enlarged portion I1 thereof to move upwardly between and laterally spread apart the rollers. To control the number of straps that may -be raised in'this manner, grouping pins 23 and compensator 24 are provided. The grouping pins serve to generally limit the lateral movability of rollers 22.whereas the compensator provides additional limitations to the movability of the rollers and of course thus controls the number of wedge portions I1 of straps I3 that may be moved between these` rollers within a group of any given size.

In the present illustration of the invention, two grouping pins 23 are positioned to take in twelve vertical rows of indicators. In such a group the rollers are normally` of such size and number as would permit only twelve of the straps I3 to be raised. However, the major politica] party has only three candidates and therefore this group must be additionally limited by the insertion of threaded to receive a nut 4I.

nine compensators 24 into the grouping channel. Each compensator takes up a space equal to the enlarged portion I1 of one strap. Provision must additionally be made in the grouping channel for limiting to two the number of straps that may be raised in the event a voter chooses to split his vote to one and one-half for each of two candidates. An additional compensator, movable as required into and out of operating position with respect to the grouping channel is provided, the operation of which is set forth in connection with the description of the cumulative mechanism.

The cumulative mechanism by which a voter can cast three votes for representatives in general assembly is generally indicated by the reference numeral 26. The mechanism includes an upright portion 21, the lower edge of which is formed with a base or mounting Vflange 28 that terminates short of the ends of the portion 21. At the ends are horizontal ilanges 29 which terminate in laterally spaced upstanding lugs 3l and 32. The lugs serve not only to engage the under edge of one of the grouping channel plates I9 but to properly space the mechanism with respect to said channel. Suitable spacing studs 33 on the portion 21 abut the channel plate IB and also serve as a means of properly spacing the mechanism. Elements such as the struckout ilanges 34 provide pivota1 support for hooks 36 which, in the present showing, project through openings 31 formed by the struckout anges 34. One end of each hook is pivotally joined to a clamping screw 38 that projects through a support 39 on the portion 21. The upper end of the screw is When the mechanism is mounted as shown in the drawings, rotation of nuts 4i tilts hooks 36 downwardly causing them to engage the lower edges of openings 42 formed in the outermost plate I9 of the grouping channel.

A pair of end ilanges 43 serve as a support for a pair of parallel shafts 44 and 46. These shafts preferably extend the full length of the mechanism and for convenience of assembly may be squaredsubstantially as shown. Mounted on the upper shaft 44 between the supporting franges 43 are arms 41. Pairs of these arms are connected by rods 48. Each rod has several reduced diameter areas 49 for a purpose hereinafter brought out. An additional arm 5I is mounted on the shaft 44 and one of the rods 48 projects therethrough. This last mentioned arm is formed with an opening 52 through which the iinger 53 of a cam arm 54 is engaged. Armsl 41 and 5I rotate as one with shaft 44.

The lower shaft 45 is fitted with arms 55 which are also arranged in pairs, each pair being connected by a rod 58, having at least one reduced diameter area 59. One of theI arms 56 is formed with an opening 6I through which the finger 62 of a further cam arm 63 projects. The cam arms 54 and 63 are preferably mounted at opposite ends of the portion 21 and disposed for vertical pivotal movement about studs 64. Mounted o-n the portion 21 are links 66 and 61. One end of each link is supported for pivotal movement on a stud 63. The other end of each of these links is tted with a pin 69 which projects through a suitable slot 1l in the portion 21. Between the arms 54 and 63, the portion 21 also supports a sliding link 12, movement thereof being limited by a pin and slot structure 13 and 14. Inclined surfaces 1S on the lower corners of the link 12 are engageable by pins 69 of the links 36. The arms 54 and 63 are also provided with inclined surfaces 11, these surfaces under certain circumstances of operation of the mechanism being engaged by pins 69.

As shown in the Gustavson patent referred to above, the cumulative mechanism is connected with the interlocking straps I3 through the use of grouping straps 'I8 which at one end have spaced parts connected by a lug 19. The parts continue parallel for a short distance and then bend inwardly, being joined to form a connect-l ing link 8i, the lower end of which terminates in a hook 82. The straps 'i8 are of a size to enclose a vertical group of interlocking straps I3, this group, as heretofore brought out, being of a size corresponding to the number of horizontal rows of indicators on the voting machine. The hook 82 oi each of such group of straps is engaged with one of the areas 49 or 59 of the rods 48 or 58, and the lug 'I9 rests upon the conventional ledges or shoulders I4 of the interlocking straps I3.

Having described the structure of the mechanism andits connection through the interlocking straps with the voting indicators II, the operation is set forth. It is assumed that a voter belonging to one of the parties such as X, is about to vote and in that part of the voting machine set aside for cumulative voting, he has a choice of three candidates A, B and C. As already set forth, the law sanctions this voter casting three ballots in any combination he may see t. If he desires to cast one, two or three ballots for any of the three candidates in the party row X, he moves the corresponding indicators il into voted position. On the movement of the iirst indicator a corresponding interlocking strap I3 is raised and through the group strap 'I8 and hook 82 rod 48 is elevated. This movement of rod 48 causes arm 54 to swing upwardly, incline surface 'I'I thereof contacting pin 69 and swinging link 61 toward the left, as viewed in Figure l0, sliding link I2 so that it will contact pin 59 of the other link 65 rotating said other link in a manner to secure arm B3 in lowered position. It is of course understood that grouping pins 23 and compensators 24, provide that only a maximum of three straps I3 and their corresponding indicators II may be actuated. Since the voter has chosen to vote a one, two or three distribution, it is immaterial whether he indicates a second or third vote but he cannot indicate a vote in the amount of one and one-half under these circumstances. This is due to the fact that the one and one-half vote indicators for the candidates are connected with rods 58. Since these rods are mounted on a common shaft 46 and are held in lowered position by the secured arm 63, none of the one and one-half vote straps may be raised.

If avoter, however, prefers to cast his three votes for two candidates, then he moves one of the one and one-half Vote indicators into operative position and such movement elevates all of the rods 58 together with arm 63. Links 66 and 'I2 together with arm 54 now assume the position shown in Figure 8. Under these circumstances it is clear that arm 54 is secured against movement and thus all of the single vote straps joined with rods 48 are prevented movement into voted position. With this selection a voter should only actuate two indicators and not three as he was entitled to actuate under his other selection in voting. One of the arms 56 has an extension 83 and a pin 84 that provides support for the hooked end 85 of an adjustable compensator 86. Suitable guides B1 for the compensator 86 may be provided and in the present disclosure are split elements` and rest upon the grouping channel. Thus, when arms 56 are rotated, compensator 86 moves upwardly into position between a pair of rollers and the grouping channel and the voter has been caused, by casting one vote, to use up two-thirds of the available space as limited by the heretofore mentioned grouping pins and iixed compensator. He can therefore move only one more indicator of the one and one-half type into voted position.

Due to arrangement of links 6B and 12, and the cam arms 54 and 63, it is possible for a voter in the midst of his selection to change from one type to the other, that is, he may have started voting in a group where he is entitled to cast one, two or three votes for one to three candidates, and prefer to 'select only two candidates and cast two votes. By returning the first actuated indicators to inoperative position, he may actuate the one and one-half vote indicators and the cumulative mechanism will shift from the showing in Figure 10 to that of Figure 8.

By means of the present structure, it is possible to adapt the main grouping channel not only for cumulative voting but for any other type of alternative voting through the provision of the lockout group feature together with an automatically operable compensator.

Although applicant has shown and described only one mechanism and arrangement for the control of group voting and particularly for the control of cumulative voting for representatives in general assembly, it will be apparent that variations of the structure may be made and are contemplated in so far as such variations are in the spirit and scope of the annexed claims.

Having thus set forth my invention what I claim as new and for which I desire protection by Letters Patent is:

1. In a voting machine, a plurality of interlocking straps, an interlock common to all of said straps and including means for limiting to a predetermined maximum the number of straps that may be actuatedfpivotally movable members, means engaged with and segregating said straps rinto a plurality of groups, said means serving to connect said groups with said members, other means connecting said members, said other means being operable by any of said members to render another member and any straps connected thereto inoperative, and an adjustable compensator for said interlock, said compensator being connected lwith one of said members and movable thereby to decrease the maximum number of straps that may be actuated.

2. In a voting machine, a plurality of interlocking straps, an interlock common to all of said straps having grouping pins and compensators for limiting to a predetermined maximum the number of straps that may be actuated, pivotally movable members, means engaged with and segregating said straps into a plurality of groups, said means serving to connect said groups with said members, means connecting said members in a manner to permit operation of only one of `said members at a time, an adjustable compensator for said interlock, said compensator being connected with and movable by one of said members to further limit the maximum number of strap-s that may be actuated.

3. In a voting machine, a plurality of interlocking straps, an interlock common to all of said straps having grouping pins and compensators for limiting to a predetermined maximum the number of straps that may be actuated, a

pair of pivotally movable members, hook-like elements engaged with and segregating said straps into a plurality of groups, said elements serving to connect said groups with said members, means connecting said members in a manner to render either of said members inoperative,

and the straps connected therewith, upon oper-v said straps and including means for limiting to 15 a predetermined maximum the number of straps that may be actuated, pivotally movable mem bers, means engaged with and segregating said straps into a plurality of groups, said means serving to connect said groups with said members, other means connecting said members, said other means being operable by any one of said members to render another member and any straps connected thereto inoperative, and further means actuated by operation of one of said members. said further means being operable on said interlock to change its capacity to control actuation of the straps from said predetermined maximum number.

ALVIN N. GUSTAVSON. 

